Waste destruction in a furnace by controlled burning at high temperatures. Incineration removes water from hazardous sludge, reduces its mass and/or volume, and converts it to a non-burnable ash that can be safely disposed of on land, in some waters, or in underground pits. However, it is a highly contentious method because incomplete incineration can produce carbon monoxide gas, gaseous dioxins, and/or other harmful substances.